Cinder
by Marissa Meyer

Summary:  Cinder lives in a futuristic, war-ravaged world.  This cyborg (half-robot, half-human) is one of the most talented mechanics in New Beijing, but is living a grim life.  She knows nothing about her past, is hated by her step-mother, and is now being blamed for her sister's illness.  Her life takes a turn, however, when she meets the alluring Prince Kai and becomes involved in an intergalactic battle.    

Thoughts:  Author Marissa Meyer reimagines the classic tale of Cinderella in this surprising, sci-fi retelling.  I was pulled in from the fabulous cover and completely engaged until the last page.  There is a lot going on - robots, cyborgs, plagues, evil lunar villains - but the author craftily knits it together creating a cool, clever, fast-paced novel.  The tough, smart Cinder and the handsome prince are interesting characters that give the techy story heart and humanity.  I can't wait to see what the author does in the upcoming volumes of the four-part series!  


Read Cinder if you: 

• like creative retellings of the classic fairy tales.
• enjoy sci fi novels with cool technology and gadgets.
• are looking for a futuristic story with a twist.
• like your novels with smart, strong heroines.
• enjoyed The Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld.   

Visit Marissa Meyer's blog to learn more about this young, anime-loving author and the Lunar Chronicles.  If you're an aspiring writer, be sure to read her posts about the writing and publishing processes.    

Entwined
by Heather Dixon

Summary: Princess Azalea and her eleven younger sisters love to dance; it reminds them of their mother who has recently passed away.  But, dancing is strictly forbidden during the year of mourning.  Then, the girls discover a magic passageway in the palace that leads to an enchanted pavilion where they can secretly dance throughout the night.  The alluring world is ruled by the handsome, mysterious Keeper who welcomes them nightly but has plans of his own for the twelve princesses.      

Thoughts: Entwined is a vivid retelling of Grimm's "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" (also called "The Worn Out Dancing Slippers") with clever allusions to "The Spider and the Fly."  Author Heather Dixon skillfully combines magical elements with realistic experiences in this gothic tale of loss, grief, family relationships, betrayal, and romance.  The sophisticated writing is lush and descriptive and pulls the reader right into the darkly-imagined, suspenseful world.  The audio format is particularly captivating.  Lovers of dark fantasy, fairy tales, royalty, and romance, Entwined is for you! 

Click here to watch a book trailer of this magical novel.

Click here to learn more about author and storyboard artist Heather Dixon or visit her blog.

The Grimm Legacy
by Polly Shulman


Summary:  When Elizabeth’s teacher suggests she take a job at the library, she is excited about the chance to earn some money.  But, she quickly learns that the New York Circulating Material Repository is no ordinary library.  

Thoughts:  Since I love anything about NYC and anything about libraries, I couldn't wait to read this new novel!  It's a creative story that intertwines classic fairy tale elements with the modern Manhattan world.  I loved the idea of a library that checks out magical objects and wish they were hiring!  :)  Author Polly Shulman effectively blends fantasy, intrigue, mystery and a touch of romance in this delightful novel.  

Click here to find out more about The Grimm Legacy and author Polly Shulman.    

A Kiss in Time

by Alex Flinn

Summary: Right before her sixteenth birthday, Princess Talia pricks her finger on a spindle and slips into a deep sleep. Three hundred years later, Jack, an American teenager touring in Europe, comes across the sleeping princess and can't resist kissing her. The princess awakens, and both she and Jack find themselves in an unexpected predicament.

Thoughts: Author Alex Flinn, the author of Beastly, has written another fun, modern retelling of a classic fairy tale. I wasn't sure I was going to like this one at first, because Princess Talia is quite a spoiled brat! However, as the story and the princess develop, I really grew to like her and also loved her observations of the modern world. :) A Kiss in Time is a great choice for lovers of fantasy, realistic fiction, or romance.

Rapunzel's Revenge

by Shannon & Dean Hale

Summary: This graphic novel retells the story of Rapunzel in a new setting... the Wild West! Rapunzel is living a luxurious but lonely life in her mother's royal villa. She often wonders what is beyond the tall, garden walls; when she finally gets to the outside world, she makes a shocking discovery. This sends Rapunzel on a wild ride that involves a tree "tower", a sidekick named Jack, villains, and some exceptionally long braids!
Thoughts: This is a clever retelling with a strong, sassy heroine. I loved the Old West setting and the bright, colorful illustrations. Yeehaw!

Princess Ben:

being a wholly truthful account of her various discoveries and misadventures, recounted to the best of her recollection, in four parts

by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Summary: Princess Ben's life is turned upside down when her parents are killed, and she is left in the hands of her cold, callous aunt, Queen Sophia. The queen is determined to turn Benevolence into marrying material, so the young princess must endure grueling etiquette training. Things change, however, when she discovers a hidden room in her tower and an enchanted book of spells. Ben begins teaching herself magic, and then finds herself on a quest to save her country that no one would have expected.

Thoughts: This is a charming fantasy staring an unlikely heroine. The novel has all the classic elements of a fairy tale - medieval setting, adversity, magic, a handsome prince, and romance. It is a completely different novel from Ms. Murdock's Dairy Queen and The Off Season, but equally well-written.